“At the level of government formation, it is important that we, from the beginning, apply rules and principles so that we do not face surprises in the exercise of office,” stated António José Seguro in an interview.
António José Seguro argued that the President of the Republic “has ample space” for intervention “in conversations” and “dialogue with the appointed prime minister” from the process of consulting political parties after legislative election results to the government’s appointment.
“I mentioned earlier that I want to be a demanding President, and that is what I will be. Also demanding in the ethical dimension of public servants,” he said.
When asked if he believes the current President of the Republic has not done enough in this regard, António José Seguro refrained from evaluating at that level, choosing instead to emphasize that, from his perspective, transparency is “a condition of democratic life.”
“We need trust and credibility,” he said, aiming to demonstrate that all his proposals and his political journey “go in that direction.”
Asked about the controversy involving the company Spinumviva, which Prime Minister Luís Montenegro handed over to his children after taking office, António José Seguro refused to comment on this specific case, as well as any potential scenarios, stating that he does not want to self-limit.
“I will not make a statement that limits my presidential competencies. When such contexts and situations arise, I will act. (…) I will be a constitutional President and will demand an ethics dimension that is bulletproof,” he declared.
However, he asserted that those seeking to hold office in bodies of sovereignty must accept that “transparency is part of this contract of trust.”
“Hiding undermines this contract of trust, and we need trust for credibility between voters and elected representatives,” he stated.
Politicians are not only obliged to respond during elections but “at all times.” In this regard, declarations of interest “exist precisely for this, to ensure clarity and avoid doubts.”
“Democracy is transparency, not darkness, and we have a lot of darkness in Portuguese democracy. We need more transparency,” said the candidate, who revealed he offered his ministerial position to the prime minister at the time, António Guterres, after a journalist questioned him about an “activity or possible connection” to a company.
Seguro recounted that, although he answered the questions “with conscience and tranquility,” he told the prime minister that “if there was the slightest doubt, the slightest suspicion that was not clarified,” his resignation was offered.
“I had a clear conscience, knowing I did nothing wrong as it eventually came to light in an investigative article. Everything was clarified. But if there was the slightest suspicion, despite being innocent, what I should do was not contribute to the possibility of the office I held, a role within democracy, being affected.”
